Gov Makinde To rely on Traditional Rulers to Improve Security in Oyo

Olusakin Babalola,Ibadan
Governor Seyi Makinde has said his administration would rely heavily on traditional rulers in the State to improve on protection of lives and property.

He made this pledge while speaking at the 56th birthday celebration of Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao, held at Ilaji Hotels and Resort.

Gov. Makinde reiterated that he would constantly knock on the doors of the monarchs for consultations and support to tame insecurity.
The governor who was represented at the event, disclosed that security is one of the four cardinal objectives of his administration and, he would leave no stone unturned to tackle the menace.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa suggested that the Governor had assured the traditional rulers that he would assign to them huge roles in spite of failure of the constitution to do so.

The statement read in part, “Though royal fathers have not been accorded their rightful recognition, as they have been excluded by the constitution.

I want to make it abundantly clear that our royal fathers will have a place and a huge responsibility in this government.

“We have identified four key areas as the pillars of this government: Education, Economic Expansion, Health Care and Security.

Traditional rulers will have major roles to play in the success of these programmes, especially in the area of security.

“Our traditional rulers, like no other persons, are great custodians of values, ethos, and culture that can be explored to re-orientate the society and keep it secured.
“Therefore, I will be looking forward to consulting with all royal fathers on how best to achieve the objective of making Oyo State one of the safest in the country.”

The Governor also promised to give a face-lift to the road leading to the Ilaji Hotels and Resort, adding that his government would give priority to roads with economic importance.

“If any investor has brought business into this state, the least we can do is to add value by creating good roads to such investors,” the Governor said.
In his speech at the event, Olubadan of Ibadan land, Oba Saliu Adetunji, congratulated Olugbon who is also the Vice Chairman, Oyo State Traditional Council.

Present at the occasion were the Eleruwa of Eruwa – Oba Samuel Adegbola, the Onipetu of Ijeru, Oba Sunday Oladapo Oyediran, the Aseyin of Iseyin, Oba Abdulganiyu Adekunle and the Deputy Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Mohammed